Diaphragmatic paralysis in COVID-19: a rare cause of postacute sequelae of COVID-19 dyspnoea

BMJ Case Rep. 2021 Nov 23;14(11):e246668. doi: 10.1136/bcr-2021-246668.

Abstract

We describe a 56-year-old female patient hospitalised with COVID-19 in April 2020 who had persistent respiratory symptoms after radiographic and microbiologic recovery. X-ray of the chest demonstrated an elevated right hemidiaphragm while fluoroscopy confirmed unilateral diaphragmatic paralysis. Symptoms resolved gradually, concurrent with restoration of right hemidiaphragm function. Thus, we describe a rare cause of postacute sequelae of COVID-19 dyspnoea.

Keywords: COVID-19; adult intensive care; lung function.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • COVID-19*
  • Diaphragm / diagnostic imaging
  • Dyspnea / etiology
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Middle Aged
  • Respiratory Paralysis* / diagnostic imaging
  • Respiratory Paralysis* / etiology
  • SARS-CoV-2